Lowther Hill, London SE23

Tall ceilings and original fireplaces uphold the early Victorian character of this two-bedroom apartment in south-east London. In the front, box bay windows with stained-glass panels draw in plenty of light, while in the rear, views overlook the surrounding greenery. Honor Oak Park station is a 15-minute walk away and runs services to London Bridge in just over 10 minutes.



Setting the Scene



Lowther Hill developed as part of the late Victorian and Edwardian suburban expansion in south-east London, which was largely due to the advent of the railways. Unusually for the area, and dating back to 1830, the building that this apartment lies within is thought to have once been the mayoral home for Lewisham. Inside, period fireplaces with exquisite botanical motif tiles remain in situ, along with original stained-glass glazing.



The Grand Tour



This apartment is entered from the front of the building; a private front door opens to a long corridor that bisects the plan. A cupboard for coats and boots lies on one side.



On the left is the living space, a bright room with soaring ceilings and walls washed in 'Elephant's Breath' from Farrow & Ball. Windows set into a deep box bay welcome in light, and there is a striking former fireplace on one side, framed by a marble surround and rich red tiles. Original floorboards ground the space.



The kitchen and dining room lies at the back of the apartment, with a forest-green Rangemaster oven and gas hob. Bespoke joinery beneath tall windows provides a spot to sit and watch the local birdlife come and go from a mature pear tree.



At the front, with the same footprint as the living space, is the capacious principal bedroom. It also has original pine floorboards and, on one side, a marvellous green-tiled former fireplace. The second bedroom is at the rear and has a carpeted floor and a large sash window.



Majorelle-blue accents bring a playful edge to the bathroom, which is otherwise traditionally monochromatic. It has a walk-in shower and a roll-top bath below a high sash window.



Out and About



Lowther Hill is well-placed for making the most of this popular pocket of south-east London. In the immediate area, The Rise and Daydreamer are excellent coffee and pastry stops. The Grade II listed Blythe Hill Tavern is close and was recently voted one of London's best pubs, while The Chandos is another local favourite with delicious pizzas and a roof terrace. For restaurants, Amrutha is a superb vegan restaurant, Babur is a legendary local treasure, and Le Querce is a fantastic Italian deli with amazing homemade ice cream flavours. Also nearby is Marvellous Greens and Beans greengrocer, which also delivers.



Towards Crofton Park are Fred’s, Arlo & Mo, and Jones’ of Brockley, which sells delicious artisan food products. Brockley is a short bus ride (or approximately a half-hour walk) away; highlights here include the now-legendary Browns of Brockley coffee shop, Joyce natural wine bar, and L’Oculto. Other options include Jerome’s Wine Bar and Mauby.



There are numerous open green spaces nearby, including Blythe Hill Fields, which hosts a summer festival, and Ladywell Fields; the latter is home to a pandemonium of ring-necked parakeets.



Honor Oak Park station is a 15-minute walk and runs regular fast services to London Bridge in 12 minutes. It also runs Windrush line (Overground) services towards Shoreditch, Dalston and Highbury and Islington.



Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 987 years remaining / Service charge: Approx. £2,400 per annum (includes buildings insurance and sinking fund) / Council Tax Band: C